When to stop exercising in pregnancy

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If you have a specific condition in pregnancy, however, you may need to ask your healthcare team. Your doctor or midwife will tell you if you should limit the amount of exercise you do, and they will explain why.

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any worries about aches, pains or other issues. Generally, you should stop exercising immediately if you feel unwell or are in pain. Listen to your body and always tell your midwife or doctor if you’re worried about any pain or discomfort.

Don’t overdo it!

Avoid pushing yourself too hard as this can make you overheat, which is not good for your baby. You should aim to work hard enough so that you breathe more deeply and your heart beats faster, but not so hard that you can’t hold a conversation or are gasping for breath.

If you’re doing an exercise class or working out in the gym, tell the teacher or gym instructor you’re pregnant and ask their advice about checking your heart rate.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), also known as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), is a fairly common pregnancy condition. It is caused by the way pelvic joints move during pregnancy. It can make exercise more difficult but there are things you can do.